For 41 years, Ray Berlinger likely has been the first person pros encounter upon arriving for Disney’s annual PGA Tour stop. They’ve often heard his voice on the first tee as well.
That longstanding service was applauded by the PGA Tour on Monday, when Berlinger was named its 2011 Volunteer of the Year.
“Ray has registered every PGA Tour professional since the first Disney Classic in 1971,” tournament director Kevin Weickel said. “In that time, he has epitomized the volunteer spirit through his gracious service and tireless effort.”
In addition to his work as a player liaison, Berlinger announces each golfer on the Magnolia course’s first tee and coordinates the event’s other starters. Now living in DeLand, the retired Disney World finance manager frequently took vacation to devote his full attention to the tournament.
World No.1 Luke Donald captured last month’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic, using a back-nine birdie flurry to capture the PGA Tour earnings title.
“To represent the tens of thousands of volunteers who give of their time across the PGA TOUR’s 40-plus events, that is such an honor,” Berlinger said in the announcement.
“From welcoming the world’s best golfers and their families to Disney in Player Registration to serving as a starter on the first tee, it’s been such a unique and rewarding experience all these years.”
